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[Page 165]
from there to Sydney probably (via Brisbane) arriving about the end of January. I notice that the captain has not been ashore so much this time in Tulagi (is it true that a certain threatened to shoot him for being to intimate with His Wife). The Band went ashore for marching practice. The water that we got from shore is not fit for drinking being full of Maleria Germ. Is it true that the Captain is afraid to go to Sydney (for there is ugly that way). Ldg. Signalman got 29 days and deprived of rate and Badges and also Signalman Smythe for being asleep on duty, punishment suspended until arrives in Sydney. The Paymaster went for a picnic on one of the Islands.
24th. December
Divisions Church. General Routine and Clean Ship at 10.30 AM. Went ashore on a message to the Commissioner C. Workman. At 3.PM 48 Native Prisoner's came on board to trim coal from the reserve bunkers to relieve our men for Xmas Holidays. The meat that we got the other day is now rotten. Our Sailing is now delayed until the arrival of the Mail Boat on the 27th or 28th. A.B. Smith who fell down the Hole of the S.S."Kanna" our collier was on board to day and complains that he got no treatment since he left the Ship. Christmas and everything dead Quiet and the Boys Spirits about a thousand below zero. The Germans say that they hope for peace in about 3 Months (Hope to God it is Truth). Ciggeretts 2/6 per Tin and full of Salt perte. We have just had a look at some of our Sweet Spuds and Ho she seemed. I believe they have dug up a bottle of beer from some where, let us hope so. The Commissioner Mr. Workman gave a lecture on the Gilbert Islands which was very interesting. The Captain then thanked him and wished him and the Ship Company the Compliments of the season which was returned by the Commissioner but the response on the Ships Company's side was negative, although we thanked the Commissioner for his lecture. The Band played a few Carrols.